When envisioning the streets of Southeast Asia, many people may picture a bustling scene filled with motorcycles. Indonesia is no exception, as it is one of the countries with a high number of motorcycle owners. Given its large population, this comes as no surprise, and Indonesia indeed ranks first in motorcycle sales in Southeast Asia.

Introduction

What types of motorcycles are being sold in Indonesia, and in what quantities? Why do Indonesians favor motorcycles? This article provides an overview of the motorcycle landscape in Indonesia, supported by data and videos.

Motorcycle Statistics in Indonesia

In the First Half of 2023, Indonesia Recorded a 42.5% Increase in Motorcycle Sales, Reaching 3.2 Million Units

In the first half of 2023, Indonesia led Southeast Asia in motorcycle sales.

The ASEAN Automotive Federation (AAF) conducted a survey on motorcycle sales in six Southeast Asian countries during this period: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

According to the survey, a total of 3,201,930 motorcycles were sold in Indonesia over six months, placing it first among the surveyed countries. This figure accounts for 49.1% of the total motorcycle sales across the six nations.

The motorcycle sales ranking among the six countries is as follows:

1. Indonesia: 3,201,930 units
2. Vietnam: 1,223,614 units
3. Thailand: 993,981 units
4. Philippines: 798,366 units
5. Malaysia: 300,392 units
6. Singapore: 5,961 units

It is worth noting that Indonesia’s population is approximately 2.8 times larger than that of Vietnam, which ranks second. Since motorcycle sales are about 2.6 times higher, the sales per capita are roughly equivalent.

Comparing the sales figures to the same period in the previous year, Southeast Asia as a whole saw a 15.5% increase, while Indonesia experienced a significant 42.5% rise, indicating rapid growth.

According to Ahmad Muhibbuddin, spokesperson for the Indonesian Motorcycle Industry Association (AISI), there are three main factors behind the increase in motorcycle sales:

1. Consumer purchasing power has improved following the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. The supply of semiconductors has significantly improved.
3. Loan interest rates remain low, making it easier for consumers to purchase motorcycles.

References:

• databoks: “Indonesia Merajai Penjualan Sepeda Motor ASEAN pada Semester I-2023”
• Harian Jogja: “Penjualan Motor Semester 1 2023 Melonjak 42.5%, Ini Penyebabnya..”

Motorcycles in Indonesia Through Video

When It Comes to Motorcycles in Indonesia, It’s All About “Honda”

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In Indonesia, the word “Honda” is often synonymous with “motorcycle.” Honda is a pioneer in the production and sales of motorcycles in the country, and among older generations, it is common to refer to motorcycles simply as “Honda.”

According to PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM), the Indonesian subsidiary of Honda, 1,435,685 units were sold from January to March of this year, marking a 50.8% increase compared to the same period last year. This accounts for 78.7% of Indonesia’s total motorcycle sales of 1,824,073 units during that period.

Now, how do individual models rank in terms of popularity and market share? According to the October 2022 announcement of the “Top-Selling Motorcycles in 2022,” the rankings are as follows (excluding mopeds, with market share in parentheses):

1. Honda Beat (32.4%)
2. Honda Vario (20.8%)
3. Yamaha Mio (13.3%)
4. Honda Scoopy (9.9%)
5. Honda PCX (8.3%)

Honda Beat ranks first due to its stylish design and relatively affordable price, making it a favorite among many Indonesians. The Honda Vario, which has a similar design and is even more affordable, comes in second. Yamaha Mio ranks third, followed by the curvaceous and charming Honda Scoopy in fourth.

This video was posted by Honda’s official account in 2022 to showcase the differences between two newly released Scoopy models. With over 9.96 million views in about a year, it has become one of the most-watched reels on the account, demonstrating the strong fanbase for Honda and the Scoopy model.

Reference:

• “Honda Kuasai Pasar, Penjualan Sepeda Motor Diprediksi Terus Meningkat”

High School Parking Lots Packed with Motorcycles

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The sheer number of motorcycles in Indonesia is evident not only on the roads but also in parking areas. Office buildings, shopping malls, and leisure facilities typically have large parking spaces designated specifically for motorcycles.

Many high school students also commute by motorcycle. The video showcases the parking lot of one such high school, where rows of motorcycles are neatly aligned by color, creating a showroom-like appearance that drew public attention. The school explained that this arrangement is not only for aesthetic purposes but also to instill a sense of discipline among students.

Why Motorcycles Are Popular in Indonesia

Why do Indonesians favor motorcycles?

There are several reasons. First, public transportation infrastructure is insufficient in many regions, making car or motorcycle ownership essential for daily life.

Among the available options, motorcycles are preferred due to their lower purchase and maintenance costs compared to cars. In households that cannot afford multiple motorcycles, it is common for the entire family to ride together on a single motorcycle.

Additional reasons include the ability to navigate narrow roads, ease of maneuvering through traffic jams, minimal space requirements for parking at home, and the potential to generate income—such as by working as a motorcycle taxi driver or running a mobile business.